Hearty, Tender, and Perfect for a Family Dinner
This Meatloaf With Tomato Beef Sauce is the kind of classic comfort food that makes an easy weeknight dinner feel extra special. The meatloaf combines ground meat with onion, carrots, celery, breadcrumbs, oatmeal, and simple seasonings for a tender, flavorful loaf.
The homemade tomato beef sauce adds a rich, savory finish with a hint of tanginess that pairs beautifully with the meatloaf. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite vegetables for a satisfying meal the whole family can enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf
- Tender and flavorful: Vegetables, eggs, oatmeal, and breadcrumbs help create a moist texture.
- Simple ingredients: Everything comes together with everyday pantry staples.
- Family-friendly: A hearty dinner that works well for weeknights or Sunday meals.
- Make-ahead friendly: Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day.
- Versatile: Serve it with potatoes, vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Recipe Details
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
- 2 pounds ground meat, such as beef or a beef-and-pork mixture
- 4 eggs
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- â…” cup oatmeal
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 cup finely shredded carrots
- 1 cup finely shredded celery
- 6 tablespoons ketchup
For the Tomato Beef Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ cup water or beef broth
How to Make Meatloaf With Tomato Beef Sauce
1. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Add the ground meat to a large mixing bowl. Crack in the eggs and mix lightly. Add the chopped onion, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
Stir in the oatmeal and Italian breadcrumbs. These ingredients help bind the mixture together while absorbing excess moisture, giving the finished meatloaf a tender texture.
Add the shredded carrots and celery, followed by the ketchup. Gently mix everything together with your hands or a large spoon until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Be careful not to overmix. Working the meat too much can result in a dense or tough meatloaf.
2. Shape the Meatloaf
Lightly grease a loaf pan or baking dish with oil or cooking spray.
Transfer the meat mixture to the pan and gently shape it into a loaf. Press it together just enough to hold its shape without packing it too tightly.
For slightly crispier edges, you can shape the meatloaf by hand and place it on a lined baking sheet instead.
3. Bake
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 55–65 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the loaf.
For the most accurate doneness check, insert a meat thermometer into the center. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This gives the juices time to redistribute and helps the slices stay together.
4. Make the Tomato Beef Sauce
While the meatloaf cooks, prepare the sauce.
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, or until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
Pour in the tomato sauce and stir in the tomato paste. Add the sugar, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil.
Pour in the water or beef broth and stir well. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors come together.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
5. Slice and Serve
Allow the meatloaf to rest before carefully transferring it to a cutting board.
Using a sharp knife, cut the meatloaf into thick slices and arrange them on a serving platter. Spoon the warm tomato beef sauce over the slices just before serving.
The savory sauce adds extra moisture and flavor to every bite.
What to Serve With Meatloaf
This hearty meatloaf pairs beautifully with classic side dishes such as:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- White or brown rice
- Roasted potatoes
- Fresh green salad
- Steamed or roasted vegetables
For a classic comfort-food dinner, serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes and plenty of tomato sauce.
Tips for Making the Best Meatloaf
- Don’t overmix: Gently combine the ingredients to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Don’t pack it too tightly: A lightly formed loaf will have a softer texture.
- Use a thermometer: Check the center for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Let it rest: Resting for about 10 minutes makes slicing easier and helps retain the juices.
- Add extra vegetables: Carrots and celery contribute moisture, flavor, and texture.
- Make extra sauce: If you love a saucy meatloaf, prepare a little extra tomato sauce for serving.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce refrigerated separately if possible.
Leftover slices are also delicious reheated and served in sandwiches with extra tomato sauce or your favorite toppings.
Final Thoughts
This Meatloaf With Tomato Beef Sauce is a comforting, satisfying dinner made with simple ingredients and plenty of homemade flavor. The tender meatloaf and rich tomato sauce make a delicious combination, while the vegetables add moisture and texture.
Serve it with mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetables for an easy family meal that is just as good the next day.
